A man has died and more than a dozen other people have been taken to hospital after a coach carrying Rangers fans was involved in a “serious” accident in East Ayrshire.

Police Scotland said 18 people were taken to hospital - three in a serious condition - after the coach was involved in a collision on the A76, near Crossroads roundabout in Kilmarnock, shortly before 1.15pm.

Police said the victims include seven men under 20 years of age, three men and three women aged between 30 and 59 and five men over 60

One victim, a man believed to be 39, has since died.

Police Scotland confirm that a man has died as a result of the bus crash involving Rangers supporters in Ayrshire earlier today. Awful news.

The road has been closed in both directions as investigators examine the scene of the crash.

There were 36 passengers and a driver on board the coach at the time of the accident.

Rangers assistant manager Davie Weir said he had “only just heard” about the crash.

He said: “Obviously there are things more important than football.

“Until we get all the details, I think it would be unwise to comment.

“But our thoughts are with the people involved, the families involved, and I’m sure the club will be very supportive in regards to anything they can do to help the situation.”

Inspector Darren Faulds told Sky News: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of the crash and anyone with any information is asked to call road policing officers at Irvine Police Office on 101.”

The BBC quoted one passenger as saying the bus had “swerved” before landing on its side on a grass verge.

Ryan Rowe, from Darvel, East Ayrshire, was driving to work when he passed the crash scene.

He said: “It must have happened just five minutes before I got there.

“Within two minutes the fire service, ambulance and police all turned up.